CSOs, One Register: Akwa Ibom Assembly Begins Work On New Registration Law
By BASSEY BENSON
THE Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has begun considering a bill that could introduce a central registration system for civil society organisations and community-based organisations operating in the state.
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker KufreAbasi Edidem, representing Itu State Constituency, passed its first reading during plenary on Wednesday.
If enacted, the proposed law would create a formal framework for registering and recognising organisations involved in humanitarian work, advocacy, research, human rights, sensitisation and other public-interest activities.
It would also cover organisations already registered with, or seeking registration through, ministries, departments and agencies of the state government.
At the centre of the proposal is an attempt to harmonise the registration process.
Under the bill, CSOs would no longer face multiple registration requirements and levies across different government institutions. However, fees provided for under the state’s harmonised tax laws would remain applicable.
Beyond that, the proposed framework seeks to reduce bureaucratic delays. It could also give government a clearer record of organisations legally operating across the state.
The move follows months of advocacy by civil society stakeholders.
In July, CSOs in Akwa Ibom called for a central registry that would replace multiple registration procedures and overlapping government levies. The demand emerged from a town hall meeting on the draft Civil Society Organisation Registration Bill 2026.
Stakeholders also pushed for an online registration and directory system. According to the groups, digitising the process could reduce delays and limit opportunities for extortion associated with manual procedures.
Meanwhile, the groups called for safeguards around the independence of the proposed registry board.
Among their demands was a provision allowing CSOs to nominate three of the board’s five members. They also sought equal voting rights for board members.
Global Rights, which supported the civil society-led process, welcomed the bill’s first reading.
The organisation described the development as a step towards a clearer and more predictable regulatory environment for CSOs in Akwa Ibom. It also commended the state steering committee, Community of Practice and other civil society actors involved in the advocacy.
Importantly, the proposed framework comes amid a broader national debate over the regulation of civil society organisations.
Federal-level CSOs have separately criticised the proposed Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill 2026, arguing that it could affect civic space and expand government powers over independent organisations.
The Akwa Ibom proposal has taken a different path so far. Civil society stakeholders have participated in advocating for the state-level framework and have welcomed its movement into the legislative process.
Still, the bill has only passed first reading.
It must undergo further debate, committee consideration and other legislative stages before the Assembly can decide whether to pass it into law.
For CSOs operating in Akwa Ibom, the next stages will therefore be crucial. They will determine whether the proposed registry ultimately becomes a tool for simpler registration and greater transparency, and how its governance safeguards are reflected in the final legislation.
